The winter holiday season can be a lot. From parties to shopping, winter sports or exams, we all have plenty to do. Here’s a list of Dog Coach tips to help you navigate the season, enjoy life with your dog, and generally remain sane! Whether you have a dog that’s young, reactive, or just needy, these tips will help you stay in control into the new year.
1. Think of the dog crate as a ‘Sanity Saver’
Dogs are den animals. Young to old, big to small, all dogs (and families) benefit from full crate training. Having your dog in the crate with the door closed teaches your dog to be safe and self-settled. Safe from getting into the turkey bones in the garbage, from bolting out the front door, and makes managing guests easier and more worry-free.
2. “The guests are here!”
Not fully crate trained yet? One alternative is to keep a leash on your dog. A leash can be helpful for tethering to a doorknob, a post, or a solid chair leg, so there are fewer options for trouble. A leashed dog can be guided safely from underfoot and out of the way while you dash about. Always tend your tethered dog and remove the leash when you leave the house.
3. Exercise
It’s really easy to skip walks and exercise when the temperature drops and schedules get busy. Try to keep your dog’s schedule and exercise routine consistent to moderate all the holiday hubbub. Getting outside with him will help keep your head clear, too!
4. Play
Just like exercise, play can go by the wayside when life gets extra busy. Take 5-10 minutes to connect and play with your dog. Whether it’s tug, fetch, or just cheering him on (Loudly!) while he runs loops in your yard, all that playtime is indispensable to maintaining and building a strong relationship with your canine.
5. Treats
It’s the season of cookies and milk, cakes and pies. That doesn’t mean your dog gets what you enjoy! You do get to choose what scraps you feed your dog. But if you must, add the small bits of meat to his food dish, no direct hand feeding. Holidays are a tough time to break any begging habits. Best idea: save proper scraps in a baggie and use as high-value treats when you’re teaching new tricks to show off for holiday guests!
Team Puppy Training
Encourages your leadership and show how you to nurture good behavior.
Foundation Training
Covers the basics of good dog behavior as well as some behavior modification.
Remote Collar Training
Foundation Training with e-collar for total off-leash freedom and behavior modification.
What our clients have to say…
Dog Coach listened carefully and observed keenly my interaction and tone of voice with Bella. At nearly 6 months now, she is the best-trained dog I’ve had. It was a worthwhile experience!
We want to thank Dog Coach for your patience and encouragement! Our dogs are really coming into their own as the perfect family dogs we were looking for!
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